alteration

noun

al·​ter·​a·​tion ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən 

plural alterations

1

: the act or process of altering something

The dress needs alteration for a proper fit.

: the state of being altered

2

: the result of changing or altering something: such as

a

: a change made in fitting a garment

no charge for alterations

b

: a change in a legal instrument that alters its legal effect

She made some alterations to her will.

c

: a mineral that has been altered by a chemical process : metasomatism

Synonyms of alteration

• change
• difference
• modification

Examples of alteration in a Sentence

the alteration of the pattern

They did a good job on the dress alteration.

He made alterations in his will.

Recent Examples on the Web

If authority demands alterations to your plans at the last minute, suggest a practical adjustment that preserves quality, because enduring leadership earns trust without drama. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026

According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, an $80,000 renovation and alteration project will convert the space into Popeyes, which will be the second Popeyes in Parker County. —Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026

Public health programs and policies are strong determinants of nutritional status, which has direct consequences on individuals’ health, as seen by recent cuts to food assistance programs, rollbacks on community water fluoridation, and alterations to the Dietary Guidelines process. —Christopher Duggan, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026

Dress alterations are done in a frenzy of violent tears and sharp slices. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alteracioun "change, transformation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French alteracion, borrowed from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, alterātiō, from Late Latin alterāre "to change, alter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for alteration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

alteration

noun

al·​ter·​ation ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of altering

b

: the state of being altered

2

: the result of altering : modification